Acorn at The Source

Have you been to The Source yet? It’s (in their words) “Denver’s newest artisan food market featuring 13 vendors including two restaurants, a bakery, coffee shop, butcher, brewery, florist, and cocktail bar.” In my words, it’s just a cool renovated industrial space featuring local food and wine, that happens to have a couple of good restaurants. With all of my world travels, I sometimes forget to blog about the great places to eat close to home in Denver. So let me fix that right now!Before I get to Acorn, though, let me tell you a little about what I found at The Source. First of all, the most incredible artisan rye bread (above) from Babette’s Artisan Breads. One bite and I was compelled to buy a loaf on the spot. There is also a craft brewer (Crooked Stave) and a great specialty foods shop (Mondo Food). But beyond just wanting to check out the space (details here), I was really drawn to having lunch at Acorn (recently featured by Zagat as one of the hottest tables in Denver). I love having a glass of wine or a cocktail for lunch of brunch on a weekend, and asked if they could make an Aperol spritz. Kudos to the bartender for thinking to give me the option of a spritzer made with club soda (in line with the trend to offer some lower alcohol cocktails) or with prosecco (a more traditional version).The menu at Acorn is dubbed “American”, but what that means to me is it’s a melting pot, with something for everyone. With things ranging from shrimp and grits to meatballs, short ribs, or panzanella, I figured it was a good idea to ask what was good or popular.Even though it was warmish (60s) today in Denver, the server explained that the Duck Confit Tom Yum Noodle Bowl had been popular with some of the colder weather we’ve had. Sold!My husband chose the Lamb “Shawarma” Sandwich, which was also nicely presented. Acorn was a hit with us: the food, the venue, the service, all excellent. Add this one to your list if you haven’t been yet!